Yankee keeper is just dandy for Parkin's boys

STEVE Parkin said links forged between Rochdale and Fulham following their Worthington Cup Round Two clash helped to strike up a one-month loan deal with American international goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Seattle-born Hahnemann, Fulham's third choice goalkeeper behind Edwin Van Der Sar and Maik Taylor, arrived at Spotland last Friday in time to play in Rochdale's home game with Rushden and Diamonds the following day.

Rochdale manager Parkin said: "Obviously we put up a good display when Fulham came to Spotland in September.

"Jean Tigana was impressed by the way we were playing and allowed Marcus to join us for a month.

"Matthew Gilks has done brilliantly and everyone's delighted with him, but he's had a sore thumb for the last fortnight and it hasn't got a lot better.

"Neil Edwards' knee's not quite as it should be so it was important to strengthen while we were at the top.

"In general, Marcus' game looked very sound. He came out and caught crosses and he made a couple of excellent saves.

"The thing that I like about him is that he's settled in London at a big club but he wanted to come and play in Rochdale, so that means he wants to play first team football.

"That's what he's here for because it's the right time to give Matthew a break."

He added: "We went to a Premier League club because it's difficult to go elsewhere in the Nationwide League.

"You can't go to First Division clubs and get a keeper because they only usually have one reserve, so the only place to go was the Premier League.

"Fulham have been absolutely brilliant, as have our board with their support in bringing Marcus here."